The following article was published in the editorial section of The Hindu newspaper ( page 8) on 13th June 2024. The article is written by C.Rammanohar Reddy a Hyderabad-based journalist.

In this article, the writer talks about the recent Lok Sabha elections and it’s similarities with the 1977 election when India was still dealing with the emergency. The writer has also opined that the BJP-led Modi Government is similar to that of Indira Gandhi in its autocratic nature.

Title – The writer it seems is probably not happy with the election results and therefore called it an earthquake. 

The period of the Emergency from 1975 to 1977 and the subsequent general elections of 1977 stand as defining moments in Indian political history, showcasing the resilience of Indian democracy and the significance of upholding civil liberties and democratic principles. The Emergency saw the suspension of civil liberties, mass arrests, press censorship, and controversial government policies, while the 1977 elections marked the end of this authoritarian regime and the restoration of democratic governance. The victory of the Janata Party and the defeat of Indira Gandhi signified a monumental shift in Indian politics, emphasizing the public’s rejection of authoritarianism and the restoration of democratic values. These events continue to have a lasting impact on India’s political landscape, underscoring the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and fundamental rights.

The writer here means the rejection of the Indira Gandhi government back then to the wounds of today from the Modi government. 

In this particular paragraph, the writer mentions that there is a very thin line between the authoritarianism of Indira Gandhi and that of Narendra Modi. In 1977, the people of India were however successful in the defeat of Gandhi but could not succeed in that of Modi as defeating Modi is equivalent to defeating a battlefield where everything is loaded against it. The writer also mentions the autocratic similarities between both leaders, he mentions that although in 2024 opposition could not succeed, however, the people very rightly rejected the economic programmes offered by Modi as it rejected the 20-point economic programme by Gandhi. During the Emergency, there was an arbitrary arrest of the political leaders of the opposition parties which is also present in present times such as the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party leaders and Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The writer here mentions that the electoral setting of 1977 is similar to that of 2024 with the arrest of opposition leaders and also the suppression of media. The slogans released by the BJP such abki baar 400 paar and other vicious campaigns targeting the Muslim community were not acceptable and it’s shocking that the election commission also chose to remain silent.

However, this time the public has used the power of the index finger, which could not result in complete defeat but has taught the BJP a great lesson.

It is evident although the BJP still remains in office, they have been reduced to a minority from the majority. They have all kinds of power political as well as financial. They will continue functioning, the way they always have and it is their second nature to not respect democracy. However, this time the voters have given the power to the opposition to challenge the National Democratic Alliance in the parliament as well as the streets.

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